Nissan Sunny 2013 Overview

The C-segment sedan - Nissan Sunny is one of the flagship products of the company, which was launched only in petrol version in September 2011. Its diesel version was launched four months later. The Nissan Sunny is based on the company’s popular “V” platform, which also underpins the Micra hatchback. The car looks quite a sporty and aggressive with its large headlights, fog lamp cluster, pronounced wheel arches and well designed alloy wheels. The build quality is superb. However, the rear wheel arches are bulky compared to rest of its body.

The comfortable, sleek and feature-rich interior maintains the premium-class of the sedan. The top-end variant of the Sunny is well-equipped with various features such as a sound audio system with 4 speakers, CD player and AUX-in support, an automatic climate control unit, power windows, beige color upholstery and more. The spacious cabin and soft seats cushioning bring a great sense of comfort. The petrol Sunny is boosted with a 1.5-litre petrol engine, which is an average performer and doesn’t excite.

This powertrain sports 4 cylinder, 16 valves, DOHC and VTC (Variable Time Control) technology. It produces a maximum power of 98bhp at 6000rpm and a peak torque of 134Nm at 4000rpm. The diesel version of the Nissan Sunny is power-packed with a 1.5-litre, K9K common-rail engine. It shares the same 8 valves, SOHC motor with Logan, Fluence and Nissan Micra dCi, but is tuned to produce an extra power of 20bhp (when compared to Micra). This engine churns out a maximum power of 85bhp at 3750rpm and 200Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm.

Both the engines are mated with a five-speed manual transmission. The Nissan Sunny isn’t targeted for the car enthusiastic, but proves to be an excellent performer for normal drivers. The 1.5-litre petrol engine of Nissan Sunny is proficient enough to mark 100kmph from standby within 15.8 seconds and attain a top speed of 175kmph. With decent low end power, the common rail fuel system powered diesel engine offers revv-happy and balanced driving experience.

As far as the fuel efficiency of the Nissan Sunny is concerned, it proves to be a tough competitor in this segment by offering a mileage of 15kmpl on urban roads and 17kmpl on highways. Its diesel version delivers an ARAI rated mileage of 21.64kmpl. The braking performance and handling of the Sunny is quite impressive, but low NVH levels make it more like a strain, especially at high speeds. In terms of comfort, handling and drivability, the Nissan Sunny is a worthy deal, which is available within price range of Rs.6.48 lakhs to Rs.10.15 lakhs.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Exterior

Despite sharing the “V” platform with Micra, the Nissan Sunny is altogether different and is a good looking sedan. Its front fascia is all borrowed from the Teana that sports large headlights, front grill with company’s trademark and prominent wheel arches with heavy shoulders. With overall measurement of 4425mm (length) x 1695mm (width) x 1501mm (height), the Sunny looks better and bigger than most of the other sedans from this segment. The build quality is outstanding and exterior paint lines are same as the Vento or Polo’s paint finishing.
The top-end variant (XV) is equipped with 15-inches alloy wheels covered with 185/65 R15 size of tubeless tyres. The base variants (XL and XE) are given 14.5”-inches steel wheels and 185/70 R14 size of tubeless tyres. The rear wheel arches with heavy shoulders feel disproportionate to rest of its design. The rear view of the Sunny isn’t as appealing as its front and side profiles. It lacks rear fog lamps and resembles more like an improved Swift Drize. There are large panel gaps on front rim of bonnet and boot areas.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Interior

The interior of the Nissan Sunny is all inspired from the Micra with same dashboard, controls and feel. The 2600mm of wheelbase makes it quite a spacious car for five passengers. In fact there is enough space for sixth occupant. The comfort and airiness are the most impressive aspects of its cabin. The subtle-grey color dashboard looks very conventional. The front and rear seats are well cushioned and feel comfortable with good thigh support and legroom. The driver’s seat is height adjustable, but only its base that moves upward and downward. On its rear seat, three occupants can sit comfortably without interfering in their space.
All of its variants are available with premium beige upholstery only. The interior door handles of the Nissan Sunny XV are chromed, whereas the other variants come with door plastic beige color door handles. The plastic quality is good. The steering wheel feels smooth. There are various storage options like glove box, cup-holder, front door pockets, seat-back pocket etc. The ORVMs are well designed and offer good visibility. The rear view mirror is relatively smaller.
Only top-end variants (XV and XL) are available with an automatic climate control unit. The rear fan blower is a new feature, but irritates with its noisy nature. A basic audio system with 4 speakers, CD player and AUX-in support is on offer, but USB support is missing. The 490-litre of boot space is quite spacious to load a good amount of luggage. To open the boot there is an option of “boot open” button and a manual lever fixed near the driver’s seat.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Engine & Transmission

The Nissan Sunny is available in two engine options – petrol and diesel. The 1.5-litre, 4 cylinder petrol engine features 16 valves, DOHC and VTC (Variable Time Control) technology. This powertrain develops a peak power of 98bhp at 6000rpm and 134Nm of a peak torque at 4000rpm. The mid and top speed performance isn’t exciting for the car enthusiasts, but is good for normal drivers. The diesel Nissan Sunny is boosted with a 1.5-litre, 8 valves, SOHC, K9K common-rail engine that also does duty to Logan, Fluence and Nissan Micra.

The engine produces a maximum power of 85bhp at 3750rpm and 200Nm of peak torque at 2000rpm. Both the engines are coupled with a five speed manual transmission. In order to enhance the fuel efficiency, the gear ratio is modified. Its petrol version offers a mileage of 15kmpl in city and 17kmpl on highways.

On the other side, the diesel Sunny is a relatively more efficiency that delivers a mileage of 21.64kmpl on highways and around 17 on city roads. The diesel unit is more refined that produces an impressive torque with minimum turbo lag. Its petrol version can achieve 0 -100kmph just in 15.8 seconds and attain top speed of 175kmph. Whereas, the K9K common rail fuel system boosted diesel engine maintain a balance between power and handling.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Mileage

Nissan Sunny was rolled out in petrol engine first and the company launched its diesel version within the gap of four months. Its 1.5-litre, 4 cylinder petrol unit delivers a mileage of 15kmpl on city roads and 17kmpl in outskirts. However, its K9K, 1416cc, 4 cylinder diesel powertrain is far better performer that offers a mileage of 21.64kmpl on highway and around 17kmpl on city roads. This sedan is ideal for regular city driving and highways.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Performance and Handling

In terms of handling and ride quality, the Nissan Sunny is a breeze. The NVH levels are well controlled till 3000rpm, but as you revv more a loud engine noise really strained out. The Sunny comes integrated with standard front disc and rear drum brake that lack with confidence, but are proficient enough to control the car.
The alloy wheels provide stability and enhance the overall drivability of the car. The suspension system is robust and mature that absorbs bounces and jerks quite easily over the bumpy roads and offers a comfortable driving experience. It is configured with front McPherson Strut and rear torsion beam suspension with a stabilizer bar. The long wheelbase contributes to its handling.

What do we think about Nissan Sunny 2013?

With all good looks, build quality, spacious interior and various comfort and safety features, the Nissan Sunny doesn’t fail to mark an impression. The handling is quite predictable and one can enjoy its excellent city performance. The unresponsive brakes, sluggish high-speed performance and NVH levels are the major drawbacks of this sedan. But, in term of offered comfort features, spacious cabin, fuel efficiency, handling and decent engine performance, the Nissan Sunny is a practical value for money car. It is one of the best deals in this segment. Its top-end variants are costly affairs but, worthy enough to own. Nissan Sunny is available within price range of Rs.6.48 lakhs to Rs.10.15 lakhs.

Nissan Sunny 2013 Competitors

The Nissan Sunny is based on the company’s “V-platform, and shares a great resemblance with the mini Teana. The superb build quality and premium looks appeal at very first glimpse. But, the over-hanged rear profile looks awkward. On the other side, the Skoda Rapid is a well designed and a stunning beauty. With long wheelbase and numbers of goodies, the Nissan Sunny is quite spacious and very comfortable. However, Skoda Rapid has an upper hand when compared with the Sunny.

The sleek and quality interior marks distinction to the Rapid’s profile. The rich plastic and texture are noteworthy. The extra bells and whistles add more to its sleekness and comfort. Powered with a 1.6-litre diesel engine, the Skoda Rapid is more efficient and powerful than the Sunny. The torque value and throttle response is pretty impressive. The revv-happy engine of the Rapid performs well at high speed, whereas, the Sunny fails to impress on this front.

When it comes to fuel efficiency, with marginal difference Nissan Sunny takes the lead. It offers a mileage of 21.64kmpl, whereas, the Rapid delivers a mileage of 20kmpl. The rigid suspension system of the Rapid doesn’t perform so well on bumpy roads. Coming to the Sunny, it feels more comfortable in terms of driving dynamics and handling making it a clear winner in this department. All in all, both the vehicles are great products at competitive pricing, but spending money on Rapid makes more sense.